Insect Farming and Robotics: The Future of Food Waste Solutions

Emerging Tech Unpacked

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How can maggots and robots solve the global food waste crisis?

Join host Lucy Lin on Emerging Tech Unpacked as she sits down with Olympia Yarger, Founder and CEO of GOTERRA, the “Maggot Lady” herself, for an eye-opening conversation about insect farming, robotics, and the future of sustainable food waste solutions.

Discover how millions of maggots inside automated shipping containers are transforming food scraps from cities and businesses into valuable protein and fertiliser, closing the loop on waste and creating new opportunities for agriculture. We’ll unpack the deep tech behind these robotic insect farms, the urgent need for circular economy solutions, and the surprising challenges of disrupting a 500-year-old industry.

Learn about the trillion-dollar global food security challenge, the realities of building deep tech as a female founder, and why being outspoken can be a superpower in innovation. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about the future of food, or just love a story about unconventional problem-solving, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Global Food Crisis

01:08 Meet the Maggot Lady: Olympia Yarger

02:28 From Farming to Tech: Olympia's Journey

03:44 The Importance of Sustainability in Agriculture

07:38 Circular Economy Explained

11:54 The Role of Insects in Waste Management

15:53 Challenges and Innovations in Waste Management

29:46 Deep Tech and Fundraising Challenges

39:42 Cultural Bias Against Insects

40:21 Learning Without a Tech Background

42:50 Food Shortage Crisis by 2050

49:42 Challenges of Being a Female Founder

54:38 Being Outspoken Women

01:02:23 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

01:10:08 Sustainability Tips & Advice

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